On Friday, Oct. 11, 44 members of the U.S. House of Representatives signed a joint letter to Michael Huerta, administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration, urging the FAA to reopen its Aircraft Registry during the federal government shutdown.
The letter was submitted by Congressman Sam Graves (R-Mo.), chairman of the Small Business Committee and co-chair of the House General Aviation Caucus.
Congressional leaders expressed their written concerns to Huerta by stating, “The FAA appears to be handling the current shutdown in a different manner from previous shutdowns, inflicting unnecessary hardship on aviation industries in our country. The closure of the Aircraft Registry office has a serious impact on American aircraft manufacturers and related industries, because it prevents the delivery of newly manufactured aircraft.”
The letter further stated, “The Anti-deficiency Act provides Department of Transportation (DOT) with the necessary authority to staff the Registry because it helps provide vital protection to human life and property. Maintaining this database is necessary for the U.S. to fulfill its ongoing international legal obligations under the Chicago Convention and the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment relating to the registration of aircrafts. The Registry is also important to national security.”
The letter concluded by stating, “We expect you will maximize the use of any legal authorities you may have to mitigate the impacts of the shutdown on the aviation industry and other FAA operations. We look forward to your prompt response.”
To read the letter delivered to Huerta in its entirety, click here.